ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN is obviously a great believer in making a first impression.
The former England international midfielder took only 12 minutes to make an impact after being introduced to Celtic fans at Parkhead earlier this month.
Oxlade-Chamberlain came on for Julian Araujo in the 79th minute with the champions toiling at 1-1 with rock-bottom Livingston with the worrying prospect of two precious points about to vanish in the quest for a fifth successive title.
IT’S GOOD TO TALK…Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain gives his views. Image courtesy Celtic TV.
One minute into stoppage-time, the ex-Arsenal and Liverpool star struck with spectacular effect as he accepted a pass from Sebastian Tounekti on the left, took a touch and then curled a superb effort from the edge of the box low into the keeper’s left-hand corner of the net.
It turned out to be the points-clincher and rubberstamped the 32-year-old playmaker’s first appearance in the east end of Glasgow.
The player, known as ‘The Ox’ to his team-mates, is hoping to be given the nod to be offered the opportunity to experience that special magic when the champions play host to Hibs tomorrow afternoon.
Looking forward to the confrontation against the Edinburgh team, Oxlade-Chamberlain said: “You always look forward to playing home games in front of your own fans, especially at a place like our stadium.
“That is always the slight advantage you get at home, so you have to capitalise on those games.
YOU’RE ON A WINNER…Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain curls in Celtic’s points-clincher against Livingston on his Parkhead debut.
“Every game is a great opportunity. It’s a test, but the home games are really important to try and seal all three points because things can get tougher away from home.”
The new Bhoy, speaking exclusively to Celtic TV, added: “But going into home games, away games, I’d have the same mindset and, as a team, we’ll all have the same mindset.
“We’re going into the games with the same objective – to win.
“But when you talk about it in that sense, home games you do definitely want to win.”
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